Merlin’s Sun Theatre – little known theatrical space in Victoria BC

Tucked away in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Fairfield is one of Victoria’s best kept theatrical secrets – a small 50 seat, purpose-built home theatre. Originally known as La Run, and constructed in 1995 by Romany Miller, it is now the home of Timothy Gosley, Petra Kixmoeller and their two children.

During its previous incarnation, La Run hosted many readings, and evenings of music. Publicity was mainly word of mouth, although I do remember the occasional mention in Monday Magazine.

Timothy Gosley is a well known puppeteer (the Muppets, Fraggle Rock, Sesame Street), playwright, and son of long-time Victoria entertainer Jerry Gosley (famous for The Smile Show – a vaudeville, British music hall review that ran until the late 1970s). Tim left town as a young man, to return in 2005 with his family.

Now, together with Kixmoeller, he teaches puppetry and drama workshops, and hosts magnificent evenings of entertainment in the theatre they have renamed Merlin’s Sun Home Theatre.

I knew of Tim’s puppetry work, and saw him at many shows and openings. My curiosity got the better of me, and I asked to view the theatre.  Tim and Petra graciously made time to welcome me into their home, and chatted about their vision for a creative space, small and intimate.  One where professionals and community members can showcase their work, and children can explore new creative outlets.

Previous shows have included: Julian Cervello and Canterbury Cocktails as a Fringe fundraiser, Clayton Jevne’s Moscow Stations, jazz vocalist Carol Sokoloff and many more.

Patrons are asked, due to the fact that Merlin’s Sun Home Theatre is located in a residential neighbourhood, to reduce their impact on street parking by taking public transit, walking, or parking (after hours) at Margaret Jenkins School (close by).

For further information on workshops and shows, or to be placed on the email list, please contact Tim or Petra at 250.598.7488 or email timgosley@telus.net

Merlin’s Sun Home Theatre is located at 1983 Fairfield Road, Victoria BC.

About @lacouvee

Community Builder. Catalyst. Speaker. Writer. Arts Advocate.

Passionate about bridging online and offline communities to effect positive change.

I truly believe that one person can make a difference and that we all have our own lives to live, creatively, while respecting the unique nature of others.

Comments

  1. Again thank you Janis, you are a kind service to the theatrical community.

    Tim

    • There are so many hard-working people in the performing arts community. Many are unknown to the general public. If my social media presence can help spread the word – I am happy!

  2. B.J.(Barney)Barnes says

    Hi Tim,
    Would there be any film or such of your fathers The Smile Show around town or the archives.
    Many Thanks B.J.(Barney)Barnes.

  3. Hi Tim,
    Just wanted to visit your site and say that I look forward to seeing you at the Creatively United for the Planet Festival in April.
    Were you able to get the grant you were hoping for?
    Our Peace Run Festival is still planned for Friday June 27 – tentatively on the grounds of the Parliament Buildings downtown from around 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. The timing may change as the ceremony is growing and may be at lunch time (the US running team is arriving on the Coho Ferry at 10:20 am).
    I have your Puppets for Peace as confirmed.
    We will be working with some schools ahead of time (you mentioned some interest here) so I’ll be contacting you if something works out that you could do a puppet making session at a school.
    Thanks so much and I’ll see you soon,
    Narmada
    250.590.0495

Trackbacks

  1. […] written before about the intimate performance space at Merlin’s Sun Theatre in Victoria BC. Timothy Gosley and Petra Kixmoeller have worked hard to create a theatre with a […]

  2. […] written before about Tim Gosley, the acclaimed local puppeteer (mentor to Ingrid Hansen among others) and owner of Merlin’s […]

  3. […] line-up at Merlin’s Sun Theatre continues to impress! Saturday June 2nd, Tim Gosley presents a most rare and unique opportunity to […]

  4. […] Tim Gosley of Merlin’s Sun is partnering with Theatre Inconnu in this unique project that will cross generations to involve young student actors with professionals. […]

  5. […] for more story-telling and puppet related theatre at Merlin’s Sun Home Theatre with the advent of Family Sunday on the last Sunday of the month. For more information […]

  6. […] Emily Carr Christmas, written and directed by master puppeteer Timothy Gosley, December 6 – 14 at Merlin’s Sun Theatre. Tickets via […]

  7. […] (4680 Elk Lake Drive)   December 6th 7:30 pm, December 7th, 2pm and 7:30pm, December 14th 4pm Merlin’s Sun Theatre 1983 Fairfield Road (up from Abkhazi Gardents   Tickets: $12 (adults) $8 (children) Contact: […]

  8. […] of artists will be attending workshops with mentors like Poet of Honour Barbara Adler, and puppeteer Tim Gosley. Every night the public is invited to an evening of incredible poetry—in addition to performances […]

  9. […] Merlin’s Sun Theatre, a home theatre in Fairfield, hosts a number of smaller shows too Saturday September 20th—Dream, Journey, The Devil’s Circus—check the website for more information. Tickets and reservations are recommended for this venue due to its smaller size. […]

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